A fault can be detected in an uplock 101 for an aircraft component, such as landing gear or a wingtip device, using an uplock with a hook 102, moving between open and closed positions, engaging a pin 126; an indicator system detects whether the pin is held within the closed hook, and alerts a possible fault if the pin is not present. The indicator system may have a biased lever 130 which is moved when the capture pin contacts it, with a proximity sensor detecting a sensor target 136 position. The indicator system may measure the resistance of a sensor wire (fig.14,1090) extending across the hook, the wire having two conductors (fig.14,1092a,1092b) insulated from each other; failure of the hook causes deformation of the wire, causing the two conductors to contact, altering the resistance. A biasing mechanism with two springs may be provided. One spring urges the hook to close, with a lock 108 to hold it closed; when the lock is disengaged the force of the pin moves the hook to open; beyond a predetermined point the second spring urges hook to open. A friction generator may be provided for resisting opening of the hook.
Aircraft uplock
2018-10-17
Patent
Electronic Resource
English